Leela Gray

Leela Gray served in the U.S. Army from 1988 to 2018. She earned a bachelor's degree from Elon University, a graduate degree from the U.S. Army War College, and a law degree from the Stetson University College of Law.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Commitment to country and community has defined my life. Growing up my family fell on tough times, sometimes relying on food stamps to get by. I worked two jobs to pay for college, joined the U.S. Army, and spent 30 years in uniform, rising to the rank of Brigadier General. Today people can no longer make that same leap to economic stability. Meanwhile, Florida’s 13th District has a representative focused on her personal agenda, while our community faces a cost-of-living crisis. Every day, I see my neighbors working harder than ever but falling behind. I couldn’t sit on the sidelines while Washington ignores what’s happening here. My service didn’t end when I took off the uniform. It continues today, and that’s why I’m running for Congress.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Families in Florida’s 13th District are being squeezed from every direction. They are working full time, playing by the rules, and still falling behind. Homeowners insurance has become unaffordable. Hurricanes and flood insurance compound that pressure in coastal communities like ours. Rent consumes half of what young working people earn, and healthcare costs are crushing small businesses.

In Congress, I’ll lead the fight to crack down on corporations and insurance monopolies driving up costs. I’ll push to expand affordable housing, make healthcare more competitive and transparent, end illegal tariffs, and to provide real tax relief to middle-class families and small businesses, not the ultra-wealthy and big corporations.I am running to restore integrity and true leadership to this office. In the military, we are held to the highest ethical standards. If you serve the country, you should answer to the same rules. There should be no exceptions for Congress, the Supreme Court, or the President.

It is time to end political corruption in Washington, replace partisan games with accountability, and deliver the real leadership required to solve real problems. I will fight to strip away the corrupting influence of corporate mega-donors and billionaires. I will push to ban insider stock trading for members of Congress, enact term limits, enforce a lifetime ban on lobbying for former members, and block officials from using public office to enrich themselves.While we restore accountability and increase prosperity for families and small businesses, I will also be a fierce champion for those Washington has left behind: the tens of thousands of veterans in this district, our seniors, and our children.

Veterans served on the front lines, but returned home to a web of red tape. They earned world-class, timely healthcare and a path to stability. I will cut red tape and hold the VA accountable.

Seniors face unprecedented economic strain. We must protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare so they can age with dignity.

As our kids battle a skyrocketing mental health crisis and online exploitation, I will be the defender they need in Congress. We must honor our promises and invest in them.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about restoring fiscal discipline and basic competence to how Washington operates. I spent 30 years managing military budgets where every dollar had a direct consequence for the people depending on it. Congress has lost that instinct.

We lurch from continuing resolution to continuing resolution, pile on debt with no honest plan to pay for it, and let political theater replace oversight. I'll push for a return to regular order, pay-as-you-go budgeting, and real transparency in how taxpayer money is spent, while protecting the Social Security and Medicare benefits families have earned. Fiscal responsibility isn't ideology. It's a leadership obligation, and I intend to bring it back to Washington.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

National Organizations:

Emily’s List

VoteVets

Elect Democratic Women

New Politics

Natural Resource Defence Council Action Fund

Veterans for Responsible Leadership

National Leaders

Fmr Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg

Senator Mark Kelly

Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22)

Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14)

Rep. Ted Lieu

Rep. Jason Crow

Rep. Pat Ryan

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan

Fmr Congressman Jim Davis (FL-11)

Labor

Florida AFL-CIO

WCFLC

Teamsters Local 79

UAW Region 8

IBEW Local 915

Ironworkers Local 397

UFCW Local 1625

Local Leaders

Fmr Pinellas County State Representative Ben Diamond

Fmr Florida State CFO Alex Sink

Safety Harbor Mayor Joe Ayoub

Bellair Commissioner Patricia Barris

Fmr Largo Mayor and Pinellas County Commissioner Patricia Gerard